Bicycle Guys expands shop

Casey McConachie (pronounced “Mick-Con-a-key”) loves everything about bicycles­ — riding them, working on them, selling them to customers and sharing his world. Casey is a Bicycle Guy, always has been.

At age 14, Casey got his work permit and went to work in an Orange County bicycle shop. Over time, he worked in customer service, sales, as a mechanic and as manager of a bicycle store. He also raced BMX mountain bikes and in 2001 he became an EMT paramedic.

During a Northern California visit, he met Jessica, who was born and raised in El Dorado County. It did not take much to convince Casey to relocate.

He bought a used ambulance and converted it to a mobile bicycle service shop, calling his new enterprise Bicycle Medic.

In July 2010 he opened his Bicycle Guys shop in the Safeway Center at Green Valley Road and Francisco Drive in El Dorado Hills. “I had to change the name,” he explained. “People thought I only did service. They didn’t know I also sell bicycles, parts and accessories.”

Bicycle Guys outgrew its original space. Last November Casey moved the business to a larger space in the center and settled in. Bicycle Guys specializes in mountain bikes. With hundreds of miles of trails nearby, Casey serves a dedicated market. He also carries road bikes.

“There is a big touring thoroughfare from Boston to San Francisco. Riders find us and stop here when they need service or accessories,” he said.

Bicycle Guys sells electric bicycles. “They are especially popular with seniors,” said Casey.

He carries three lines of mountain bikes. Ellsworth bikes are handcrafted in San Diego. KHS, out of Rancho Dominguez, has been producing bicycles for independent bicycle dealers for almost 40 years. Kona opened 22 years ago with offices in Blaine, Wash., and Vancouver, B.C. As the name indicates, the owners have a special place in their hearts for Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

When Casey is not in the store, he likes to get out on the trail. On Thursday nights, he leads group rides. He also sponsors a local mountain bike team, and contributes to charitable rides.

Casey’s working with EDH Trails to increase multi-use trails in the area, including a mountain bike “skills loop” located under the power lines west of El Dorado Hills Boulevard. EDH Trails is joining with the El Dorado Hills Community Services District to develop a one-and a-half mile loop with natural and manmade features.

At the store, Casey is lead Bicycle Guy. Jessica is learning the business. Casey refers to her as Chief Bicycle Gal. Corbin, a Labrador-Vizsla mix, is the official shop manager. The Vizsla are Hungarian retrievers. “Corbin is the best kids’ dog,” said Casey.

Casey and Jessica have two sons, 3 and 4 years old, and a daughter, Chloe, 1 — future Bicycle Guys and Gal.

Bicycle Guys invite all current and aspiring Bicycle Guys and Gals to visit the store at 2201 Francisco Drive, Suite 130, in El Dorado Hills. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call (916) 933-4485.